Held at BHS Approved Lower Stockland Farm Competition & Livery Centre, Cardiff, HRH The Princess Royal was invited to observe demonstrations of the equine charity’s ‘Stable Mates Plus’ initiative which aims to help horse owners build and maintain a strong, equal partnership with their horse.
The day comprised of a number of interactive sessions on key topics including horse health and weight management, fitting tack and equipment, bitting guidance, as well as spotting the signs of pain and poor performance in a horse. Each session was tailored to the individual horse and rider combination.
HRH The Princess Royal was also introduced to the BHS’s newest Fellow*, Sarah Spencer-Williams who, along with BHS equine coach Jan Evans, delivered a demonstration on assessing the conformation, condition and fitness of a horse for ridden work.
Providing support, advice and resources for the equestrian community, from experts on a wide range of subject areas, is a key priority for the BHS. The Stables Mates Plus initiative plays an important role in this, helping horse owners to build a greater understanding of their horse and how they can provide them with the best care possible.
Gemma Stanford, Director of Welfare at The British Horse Society comments: “We were really pleased to introduce HRH to Lower Stockland Farm and our Stables Mates Plus initiative. At the BHS, we know how important it is to build a strong partnership with our horses. If we don’t have this, then both our horse’s wellbeing and our own wellbeing could be compromised.
It’s brilliant to have the support of our specialists and of HRH The Princess Royal, as we continue to roll out these informative events and importantly, be by the side of all those who care so greatly for their horses.”
HRH The Princess Royal was also invited to present long-standing BHS Welfare Volunteer, Ellie Griffiths with a gift to mark her retirement as a BHS Horse Care and Welfare Adviser, and to recognise the great work she has done to support the welfare of horses.
On behalf of the equine charity, Ellie has attended over 1054 welfare concerns, involving thousands of horses across South Wales, and has worked closely with many communities to assist in educating owners to improve horse welfare.
Gemma adds: “We are thrilled to be able to celebrate Ellie and all the incredible work she has done during her 16 years as a BHS volunteer. It’s entirely fitting for Ellie to be presented with a gift from HRH and we’re so pleased to have had her by our side for so long. She will be greatly missed as a volunteer.”
HRH The Princess Royal was invited on a tour of Lower Stockland Farm Competition & Livery Centre, which was once a working dairy farm, before unveiling a plaque to commemorate the visit.
To learn more about The British Horse Society, the Stables Mates Plus initiative and the work the charity does to support the welfare of horses, as well as all those who love, care for and work with them, visit: bhs.org.uk/stable-mates.
You can discover more about Lower Stockland Farm Competition & Livery Centre here: http://lowerstockland.squarespace.com.
Notes to editors
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Contact: The British Horse Society Press Office
T: 02476 840521
The British Horse Society:
Equine charity, The British Horse Society is dedicated to education, equine welfare, protecting and increasing access to bridleways and places to ride and carriage drive off road, and safety for horse and riders. The Society’s thriving and active community of staff and volunteers is committed to improving the lives of horses everywhere.
* Recognised as one of the most prestigious coaching accolades in the world, the BHS Fellowship is the highest qualification offered by The British Horse Society. HRH The Princess Royal presented Sarah Spencer-Williams FBHS with her Fellowship certificate.